Cyclocross 101: class 1, the overview.

I've had a request to explain all of the cyclocross nonsense of which I write. As such, many of you reading this may be familiar with various forms of cycling, or even a complete novice on cycling, but no matter the cycling Jedi status, many seem to have one look upon their face at the mention of 'cross.

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And with that I welcome you to Cyclocross 101. In this session we will cover cyclocross, or 'cross, basics.

'Cross developed in the early 1900s in Europe as a way for road racers to stay in shape through the winter months. Granted, there were no mountain bikes at the time so all that really existed was a 'road' style bike that was raced on either roads or on a track, called a velodrome. As it was, road races didn't extend through the winter months so many a racer took to riding their bike in the less than desirable conditions and to mix it up a little they started wandering from the roads.

Before long there were officiated races and 'cross took hold. 'Cross courses can vary significantly, but generally they have a particular theme; they are generally held in parks or other public local. There is usually minimal elevation gain compared to what one may find during a road race or mountain bike race, but this is not to say the races are pancake flat. In fact, many course feature a short steep hill or bank that obliges riders to dismount their bikes and run to the top before mounting the bike again. Clever enough, such an feature is called a run-up. There are also generally barriers on course as well. Again, they are designed to oblige riders to dismount their cycles, run over the obstacle, then return to riding. Barriers come in many shapes and forms; low fences, logs, or planks of wood. Some locations are lucky enough to provide a large area of sand, and since we are talking parks, this usually means a large volleyball court. Again, loose sand is difficult to ride through, especially if a corner or two are thrown in, so riders tend to dismount and run through the obstacle.

At this point we understand that there are obstacles on course, but we must investigate the course as a whole. Course usually range from 1 to 2.5 miles and even slightly longer, though an attempt is usually made by the organizer to produce a lap that will take between 5 and 8 minutes to ride for most competitors. Depending upon the level of event and funding various items mark the course. At large events the entire course will be marked on both sides by caution style tape. At small events, tape will be used minimally to block off significant turns and small flags, and paint may be used.

'Cross races are also based mostly on time, i.e. 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes. Officials take a reading during the first few laps and factor and average lap time for the leaders. At this point they can figure approximately how many laps can be completed in the set time, or finished as close to the time as possible. Once this is figured they begin to place lap cards on display. Once the cards are out, that is simply the tool used by racers to determine how much racing is left. As the last lap starts, as with many other sports such as track & field, a bell is rung to indicate the last lap, otherwise known as the bell lap.

At this point I think we've covered a general outline of the sport and I'll allow you to digest this fascinating information while you complete your homework. Over the course of our next few sessions we will dive further into various details of the race and the course.

For your homework I have some suggested reading. There is a pretty good article written in wikipedia on cyclocross here.
the Gran Prix of Gloucester race website also has a decent, if brief explanation here.


Class 1, The Overview
Class 2, The Competition
Class 3, The Race Format
Class 4, The Barriers
Class 5, More On Barriers
Class 6, An in Depth Look at Barriers
Class 7, An in Depth Look at Run Ups
Class 8, An in Depth Look at Sand Pits
Class 9, The Start
Class 10, Review and Wrap Up